The Ghost of Marie Laveau

by Fiona Broome and the Hollow Hill staff ©2005


Marie Laveau is probably the most famous name in New Orleans and Voodoo history. She is famous for her spells, and the spread of Voodoo throughout Louisiana. Marie Laveau is fondly remembered, and her memory invoked, especially when people discuss love spells. Marie, and her daughter of the same name, were the equivalent of high priestesses in the practice of Voodoo in the 19th and early 20th centuries in New Orleans.

And, if we define a ghost as someone who remains among us in spirit, interacting with the living, then Marie Laveau surely fits that description.

Anyone who has benefited from her assistance, will assure you that she remains very much alive today, although her body was supposedly placed in a crypt in St. Louis Cemetery #1, at the edge of the French Quarter in New Orleans, Lousiana.

We say "supposedly" because there has been some doubt about her final resting place. At least one other crypt in St. Louis #1 may be her grave, and another cemetery also claims that honor.

However, most tourists and pilgrims treat the most famous crypt as Marie Laveau's. It is shown in the photos, below.

St. Louis Cemetery #1 closes at 3 p.m. daily, so it is not a location where you can investigate at night. And, between the location and as a matter of respect for spirits who are very much alive, it's wise to avoid that cemetery at night.

Traditionally, one asks Marie Laveau for a favor. In some traditions, you should knock three times on her crypt before asking her help.

After the favor is granted, return to her crypt and--according to folklore (but against the law)--mark three Xs on the wall, with chalk or a chip from a brick. You may also choose to leave her a gift of money (coins only), alcoholic beverages, flowers, or other items that would please her.

We can personally attest that Marie Laveau is a very powerful spirit, interacting with the living, and granting requests even when they are extremely difficult and unlikely.

But... does that fit your description of a ghost? That's up to you. Regardless of your beliefs, St. Louis Cemetery #1 is well worth visiting if you enjoy ghost stories and related folklore.

Here are a few of our original photos at the most famous grave of Marie Laveau.

Because the sun was shining brightly, we cannot claim that the brilliant orbs in most of these photos are anything paranormal, but they generally did not appear in our other photographs taken at nearby crypts.



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